From traffic-filled interview to Virgin Group chief executive, Josh Bayliss’s rise

In 2005, a 31-year-old lawyer named Josh Bayliss travelled to Richard Branson’s London mansion for a routine interview, only to discover Branson had double-booked and they were stuck in traffic for two and a half hours. Bayliss used the unexpected delay to question Branson extensively, securing the role of general counsel later that year. Over the next six years he climbed the corporate ladder, becoming CEO of Virgin Group in 2011 and adding the position of chair in the current year.

Born in Auckland to modest parents, Bayliss shifted from an early fascination with science to studies in history, Spanish literature, and law before entering the legal profession. He credits his curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to challenge norms—traits he sees in Gen Z interns—for his success. Bayliss now leads a diverse portfolio that includes an airline, a telecommunications giant, a gym chain, and a commercial space-tourism venture, while emphasizing AI as a tool to accelerate young talent.